Adams Street Bridge Closing For Major Reconstruction

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is closing the roadway on the Adams Street Bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River beginning after the evening rush hour on January 25th and continuing for about 13 months. Throughout this project, CDOT will maintain pedestrian access over the bridge to Union Station, except for two 30-day closures scheduled for later this year and some intermittent night and weekend closures.

The project consists of the reconstruction of the existing viaduct structure over the Union Station tracks, improvements to the Adams Street and Canal Street intersection, new street lighting and traffic signals, improved roadway drainage, and structural and electrical improvements to the Adams Street Bascule Bridge.

The Adams Street Bridge is one of Chicago’s iconic bascule bridges that raises and lowers to allow for boat traffic on the river. CDOT has rebuilt or substantially repaired most of the other bascule bridges over the past ten years. This work allows for restoration of their function and extension of their usable life.

Detour routes will be in effect starting January 25th for motor vehicles and bicycles. Westbound traffic on Adams Street will be detoured to Wacker and motorists may go south to Van Buren or north to Madison to continue westbound across the river. Once on the west side of the river, they should use Jefferson (from Van Buren) or Clinton (from Madison) to return to westbound Adams Street.

Throughout the project there will be two new signed pick-up/drop-off areas for Union Station passengers on the curb of Jackson, between Canal and Clinton, and the curb of Adams, between Canal and Clinton.

The closure will require reroutes in the immediate surrounding area and will also require the temporary relocation, removal and/or addition of bus stops along the affected routes. In general, most affected routes will be detoured from Adams to Van Buren via Wacker. Customers boarding and alighting buses near Union Station will also be affected. CTA will continue to work closely with CDOT to provide the most convenient service possible for persons traveling in the area.